Nelson, Young Bill to Combat Human Trafficking with Awareness Passes House

HARRISBURG - Legislation to support the fight against human trafficking passed the House and has been referred to the Senate, Reps. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland) and Regina Young (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) announced today.

"Some of the nation's busiest throughfares travel directly through Pennsylvania, and while this is great for economic development, it also brings with it widespread human trafficking," Nelson said. "Making certain those who work in hotels and restaurants know what to look for, we can help those being victimized in this heinous criminal enterprise."

Language in House Bill 1286 establishes training requirements approved through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for employees of public lodging establishments who have contact with guests or access to guest rooms, and for operators of short-term rentals. The legislation passed 203-0.

Zakary Pyzik, senior director of public affairs for the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, explained the lodging industry supports the legislation and recognizes the benefits of training for employees.

"The Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association and the hotel industry nationwide is doing all we can to combat human trafficking. The issue touches every corner of the industry, which is why parity in training and accountability embodied in HB 1286 is so important," Pyzik said. "It sends a clear message that Pennsylvania is not a place where traffickers will operate unchecked. It's critical that we act now."

"Front desk and housekeeping staff are some of the most engaged employees with guests, so they should be educated to recognize and report suspected trafficking," said Young (D-Philadelphia/Delaware), who also championed the bill. "This bill also encompasses online reservation services to account for their specific set of warning signs as a popular and easy option to bypass face-to-face interactions."

"This is an excellent example of how when we work together across the aisle, and with industry leaders, with respect, we can change the lives of Pennsylvanians," Nelson said. "This is an unprecedented harnessing of resources that even the industry says, yes, this is a good thing for people."

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